Tuesday, December 31

Jake, a US Marine, has been on a nonstop roller coaster ride in the Middle East for over a decade. While on a medical leave seeking help for PTSD he snaps and abducts a woman thinking it will be the remedy plaguing his thoughts. The woman, Liz, witnesses his hallucinations, night terrors and anxieties and quickly becomes sympathetic to his plight. A relationship between the two begins to flourish.

My Review

Sexy War Hero turned kidnapper...what’s not to love? Well if you ask his “victim’ Liz…she would say absolutely nothing.

Liz and Jake don’t necessarily start out on the greatest terms. I mean she was abducted and shackled in a dark gloomy cabin for a week by a man who suffers from horrific PTSD and has hallucinations. It’s not the typical start to an all-consuming romance. But for Jake and Liz it was.

In Hasty Resolution we follow Jake who has just come back from the Middle East and has about reached his breaking point with his condition. While picking crops one day he notices Liz, the holism blonde haired, blue eyed beautiful woman with pink running shoes…the same woman he saw overseas running in and out of buildings…only she was never really there. While at war he kept trying to save her but every time he would turn around she would disappear. Well he is not letting her get away this time, so what does he do? He drugs her, kidnaps her and stuffs her in a potato crate to smuggle her over the boarder to Canada. What a hero huh?

Liz is a wife and mother of three. She is a school teacher, a daughter, and a sister. She lives her life in a big beautiful house and spends her time between working and carpooling her kids to sporting and school events. She has her husband Mike who would rather travel for “work” with this assistant and play golf with his buddies than spend any amount of time with his wife. After over a year of being ignored by her husband she is feeling deflated and unappreciated. She decides to do the one thing for herself she hasn’t done in a couple of years…go for a run. Only after a couple of miles she runs into a sexy man loading crops, and being the friendly wholesome girl she is, she decides to stop and chat with him. Only she wasn’t expecting that little chat to turn into week chained in a cabin like a dog in the middle of nowhere.

Jakes finally comes out of his anxious state of mind and moves Liz into the main house. He shows her around the property and introduces her to the neighbors. He’s starting to realize what he has done and wants Liz to be able to leave if that’s what she wants. (You kidnapped her…of course that’s what she wants you idiot…right?)

Liz is cautious of this strange man who captured her and is now treating her like a queen. She has witnessed his night terrors and his hallucinations and is starting to get a better understanding of what this war hero gone kidnapper is all about. He’s not the man she thought he was but he’s starting to be exactly the man she needs.

A story of mental breakdown and desperate times turns to a romance that will consume you. I absolutely loved Jake and Liz and wasn’t really ready for their story to end. But in the end people have obligations…family, Military duties, jobs…life isn’t a vacation and no one learns that better than these two.

If your looking for an exciting Military romance then you need to read Hasty Resolution by Sam Taylor Mullens.

On a side note:

Sorry but I couldn’t write this review without noting just how big of a douche Mike (Liz's husband) really is...

Most of the book is with the POV of Jake and Liz, however, I thank Sam Taylor Mullens for the little insight to Mike the Ass in the few POVs he had. Ugh, I can see why Liz needed to keep as far away from him (and his family) as possible.

“Am I sad Liz is gone? Sadly, I don’t think I am.” - Mike

“Mike, I’m just saying that Liz being gone isn’t a bad thing. Start finding happiness again. Think of it as if she died last summer and it’s now spring with blossoms on the trees. It’s a chance for you to begin again without her infringing on you.” – Evil Mother in Law

“When she wanted to take a sabbatical last year, I wouldn’t let her, since it would have meant she would be home more often. I didn’t want her breathing down my neck while I worked from the home office. I couldn’t have her meeting up with me when I traveled on business trips. Those frequent flyer miles are for me, not her.” -Mike

“I am now able to screw my assistant without worrying Liz will find out, even though she already knew. I am able to have my assistant come to my home office and have full access to the house.” – Mike

See what a douche!! I mean seriously, who says that about anyone who has gone missing…let alone your wife and daughter in law. That family is wacked and needs a mental health check!!

Jack Gunnison has a problem, well, two actually, one is 5'5" and the other is a Killer.

Jennifer Stewart needs a change after losing her husband and, sending her daughter off to college.

Moving to the high country of Colorado to restart her life and, follow her dreams, Jenn gets more than she bargained for when she attracts the eye of a killer.

Together, Jack and Jenn must figure out his identity, before he strikes again.

Mature readers only due to erotic content and language.

My Review

"You scare me," she whispered. "Yeah? Well join the club, cause you sure as shit scare the fuck out of me."

When a second body turns up in Gunninson County, the last thing Sheriff Jack Gunninson needs is the Towns newest reporter, Jennifer Stewart nosing around and interfering with his investigation.

Jennifer Stewart lost her husband to a drunk driver 18months ago. With her only daughter off to college, she embarks on her life long dream of living in the mountains.

After 4 months of living in Gunninson County, Jenn has settled in, made a few friends and even put her journalism degree to use working for the Gunninson Times.
When Jenn stumbles on information about a possible second victim she see's her opportunity to go from covering the towns Bake Sales to investigating a possible serial killer.

But the Bossy Sheriff keeps shutting her down. Jenn won't give up and with the help of a few town locals she sets about trying to piece together the clues.
Always finding herself in trouble and her paths constantly crossing with the sexy Sheriff, she soon finds herself deeper in with Jack.

But what happens when the killer has his sights set on her? Can Jenn and Jack find the killer before he gets to her?

This was awesome!!
You know when you're reading a book and you're so into it your mind and emotions can't keep up with each other? This was me!

I was reading so fast my emotions didn't know what way to go?
Intense, Thrilling, Sexy, Funny. You name it! It was brilliant.

Jack is... he is, Just Jack. When you meet him you will understand.
Bossy, Sexy and makes no apologies for it. But at the same time his sweetness melts you.
He pretty much is perfect! Once he sees past Jenn's occupation he starts to see the real Jenn and what he sees, he wants. And what Jack wants, Jack gets.

"Babe, you may not be ready, but that's not going to stop me from changing your mind."

But Jack has finally met his match.
Jenn is sweet and funny but definitely a ball buster! Not one to be walked over she definitely has it in her to go toe to toe with the Sheriff.
But what makes Jenn awesome sauce is she knows when she has gone too far. Knows when to pull back and listen to her man.
Don't you hate heroines that really are stupid sometimes?
Well that's not Jenn. While she might try a few times to push, and let me tell you, those times are hilarious. She still knows when to submit to bossy Jack.

"Jack.."

"And now on top of sweet, I get innocent too? No way, Jenn, no fucking way."

"Ok, Jack." I couldn't argue with this man, damn him, he just reeled me in, I should have never answered the phone.

And their banter is funny and sweet. My mouth seriously hurt from smiling so much.

"Jesus, I fell for a woman who can admit when she's wrong, swear to Christ I didn't know they existed."

Rolling my eyes at him, he glared back at me.

"Whatever, I snipped.

"Smartass"

"Bossy," I smiled

"That's my girl."

The suspense was killing me as to who the killer was. C.P is a tricky little thing leaving you guessing at every turn.
I found myself cataloging all the little things I picked up along the way. But C.P leaves you second guessing everything. It was awesome!

To say I was impressed with C.P Smiths debut would be an understatement!
She knocks it out if the park.
Her Alpha Male is in the same league as the queen of the alphas K.A.

Yep I just went there.

I just came off a K.A high reading my kaleidoscope Arc when I picked Up A Reason to Breathe.
Normally no one can compare. And I really hate comparing styles in my reviews. However if you are a fan of K.A will love this one.

Think Sweet Dreams, with a mix of Rock Chick humour and a lot more suspense.

If you are not a huge K.A fan I believe you will enjoy this.
C.P definitely has her own style. Her flow was more smooth and less repetitive than a K.A book. And the story line was not just based on the main relationship between two leads.

Definitely one of my favourites this year. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this debut.
I can't wait to see more of C.P Smith's writing and getting lost in her characters again.
Bravo C.P

★★☆5+ Stars☆★★

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About the Author

A Reason To Breathe is C.P. Smith's Debut Novel.

Mother of 5 and married 26 years, C.P has lived in oklahoma most of her life.

Monday, December 30

***Content warning*** it's advised that readers be over 18 years of age before reading this novel due to sexual content and adult situations.

From the best-selling author of the Beautiful Series, comes Drawn, a powerful tale of a relationship that rides the edge of hate and love and everything in between.

Have you ever felt so drawn to someone, that you will put up with anything to be with them? That’s how I feel when I’m around him.

Most of the time, I want to hate him. I want to stay as far away from him as possible. He’s so cocky, and arrogant. And he gets in the way and tells me what to do. He’s all things that I normally detest in a man. But, when we’re alone… I can’t even think for myself – the pull is that intense.

I know I should run, I know I should stay away. But I can’t. I don’t know if I’m strong enough.

What do you do when you just can’t stay away? Even when you know you should…

My Review

What the.... Fuck me... I just don't know... How to even start my review..

Lilliana Anderson has written a book that has left me completely fucked over. No seriously like what the hell happened? I feel like a serious case of bipolar coming on.

Etta has just turned 18 and is moving out of her very overprotective parents house.
Heading to meet up with a friend, she finds herself in the the wrong apartment, this is where we meet Damien.

Damien... Hot, Sexy, Alpha, and so secretive even I wanted to bitch slap him and make him tell me what was in the room.
Damien is drawn to Etta so fast it's slightly scary, never one to fall, Damien tries to stay away but the pull is too strong.

"I want you so badly Henrietta. I'm struggling to control myself. But I have to. Because once I have you. I am never going to let you go. I need to make sure you're ready for that."

Etta has spent the last few years living her life controlled. Controlled by her father and his fear of losing another child, her only desire is to be free.

Out of her family home she soon finds herself consumed by Damien. There is a fine line that Etta and Damien dance along as to what is too far..

While you know she should run/leave. You kinda wanted her stay so you could get more of your fix of Damien. It's like your brain is telling you this dude is way over the line, yet your body isn't keeping up.

"You don't get to end this," he growls, thrusting into me forcefully, causing me to explode.

Her mind is there but her body betrays her. One touch and they seem to consume each other. The minute she runs he is there, bringing her back and with one touch she willing goes. But Etta soon finds it hard to deal with the feelings of how a man can effect her so much.

That's what I hate most - I'm in love with him. I don't want to be. Fuck Fuck Fuck.

But when Damien takes one step way the fuck over the line, Etta realises just how deep she is. Will Etta walk away and leave behind an unhealthy love or will Damien's love consume her to no end?

When decisions are made, peoples life will be altered forever.

I really really really really really need the next book in the series!

Yes Drawn does not end all wrapped up nice and neat. You're left wanting, craving more and you just know how awesome it's gonna be!

I can't wait to see how the story plays out. Do yourself a favour One Click Drawn. You wont be disappointed.

★★☆4.5 Stars☆★★

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About the Author

Australian born and bred, Lilliana Anderson has always loved to read and write considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. Besides writing Angelien's biographical trilogy, she also writes contemporary romance and drama all based around Aussie characters.

When she isn't writing she is a wife, and a mother to four children. She has worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities before transferring to commerce/law at university.

I honestly don't know where to start with this review other than to say that this book was AHH-MAZING..
The writing is just beyond words.
This story was in a league of its own. It made me feel every emotion possible.

I can't go into detail with this review cause this is one that must be read without the spoilers!!!!!!!

Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know her real name or when she was born. Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, Jimmy Echohawk.
Now 19 she is in her final year of high school.
Living day to day as a nobody.

When her new history teacher, Darcy Wilson, hands out their assignment to write your own story. Blue is forced to think and feel. She reluctantly writes her story, remembering her own history, and evaluate what made her the person she is.

~"You all have a story, It's been written up to this point, to this very second."~ Wilson

Trying to figure out who she is, literally, We watch Blue carve her story.

~"Once upon a time ... there was a little blackbird, pushed from the nest. Unwanted. Discarded."~

Wilson is contstanly pushing Blue, guiding her in figuring out who she was and ultimately who she wants to be.

~"None of us can help where we are scattered, Blue. But none of us has to remain where we were scattered. Why don't you focus on where you're going and less on where you come from? Why don't you focus more on what makes you brilliant and less on what makes you angry? You are missing a key element to the story. Maybe the moral of the legend is that we are all carved, created and formed by a master hand. maybe we are all works of art."~

Along the way Blue and Wilson form an unlikely friendship.
And as Blue finds her way, their friendship develops into something else. Something deeper.
Blue and Wilson go through so much together, I can't even tell you how much, as you have to read this without knowing what happens.

Her journey is only beginning and so much happens in such a short time that I was glued to my Kindle, I just needed to know what would happen.

Blue is scarred by her past. It was so refreshing reading a book that didn't fix everything.
In real life not everything can be fixed.
Sometimes people have to make these life changing decisions.
I didn't want Blue to do what she did.
When I read the Chapters, Deep and Grey I was a mess.
Omg what tragic yet beautifully written scenes.
My heart was breaking. I literally broke down and sobbed.

~"A moan tore from my throat, and I shuddered helplessly, no longer able to hold back the billowing sorrow that flooded my mouth, streamed from eyes, and robbed me of speech."~~"I prayed He would take away my pain and if He couldn't do that, then would He, please, take away my love? Because the pain and the love were so intertwined that I couldn't seem to have one without the other. Maybe if I didn't love, I wouldn't hurt so much.~

I didn't think I would come back from that. But, Blue did, and as she did, I slowly came around.

~ Maybe it was the fact that I had pled with a God I knew very little about to take away the pain, but in the days that followed, I discovered I had been given the ability to weep. And in weeping there was power. Power to heal, the power to release pain and let go, the power to endure love and shoulder loss. And as the weeks become months, I cried less and smiled more. And peace became a more frequent companion.~

Wilson, Wilson Wilson Wilson…
What can I say? Not much at all, what an amazing Man!
I was not expecting the way it played out. It wasn't the typical controversial Student/Teacher affair that I was expecting when I started.
It wasn't any of that. It was a friendship built on understanding.
I can't express what it is in words. It's the feelings and actions and care that he gave. I wanted them together soo much, but it wasn't time for them at that point. Blue needed what he gave her.

It was a slow burn, but when they finally did came together..it was PERFECTION

~"I was afraid, Blue. You've been through so much. And I'm half mad over you. I don't think you're ready for the way I feel." ~Wilson~I can't imagine that what I'm feeling isn't love. But 'I love you' doesn't feel adequate to express it. I desperately want you to love me. I need you to love me- but I don't want to need it, and I'm afraid I need it too much." ~ Blue

And then the ending.. WOW!!! What an amazing twist of events.
I was so pleased Blue got to know her story.
I wished this had an Epilogue. I'm a die hard fan of Epilogues and I wish Blue and Wilson got one.

This book was...
Amazing, soul changing, captivating and heartbreaking
It dealt with some heavy issues, and I absolutely loved it. This is a wonderful 5 star read, for anyone looking for an emotional story and an unforgettable reading experience you must READ this!!!!!

Favorite Quotes.

~I wanted to hate him because he was beautiful in a way I would never be. ~~"You are many things, Blue Echohawk, I can even name twelve. But ugly isn't one of them."~~"Sometimes the thing we want to be rescued from can save us."~~"The Mystery of my life binds me still, Wilson.~

According to Hayley love is a subject of ridicule, a myth created by hopeless romantics.

When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…

That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.

Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidently steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.

Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.

In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorbed, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.

Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for…

My Review

There is only one way to feel about the mysterious Daniel Stark…and that would be feeling like you are standing on the edge of a cliff with one foot dangling off the edge. Just the slightest breeze and you could be knocked over. He makes you on edge…nervous… He is short tempered and there is no telling what is going to set him off.

There are many different sides to Daniel Stark. Two of the most prevalent sides are the callous business man who doesn't even believe in saying thank you to his employees because “that is what salaries are for.” He can quiet a room with just one word and make people go running scared with just a glance. He is ruthless when it comes to business. That is the side of Mr. Stark…CEO of Stark Software.

Then you have Daniel. Daniel is humble, a bit softer and a protector by nature. He has had a difficult childhood living with his mother who was sick and a father who “isn’t relevant” (Daniel’s words). He has never been in love. After being betrayed by someone he cared about, the only women he has allows himself are highly paid escorts. He doesn’t have time for love or relationships. It has always been about the release…that is until he sets his sights on the one person not afraid to bad mouth him. Although, in her defense, she doesn’t really know it is Daniel Stark she is talking to.

The attraction is evident.

The banter is witty.

The pull is magnetic.

The story is addicting.

Hayley is a reformed playgirl. She liked to, shall we say “have fun”, but never wanted to deal with the emotional side of a relationship. She has decided it’s finally time to grow up. She’s no longer looking for random hookups but once she gets a taste of THE Daniel Stark her best friends convince her that she should not let this chance go to waste. She should take and enjoy anything she can get from the cocky businessman.

“Of the slutty princess who did not believe in love, who used to take advantage of innocent men, who finally got enchanted by a handsome, slightly deranged prince.”

“And how does this fairy tale end?”

“They’re both committed to an asylum in a faraway kingdom,” Ian continues. “Doing it like bunnies till the end of days.”

However, after an awkward first “date” she is left feeling used and empty…and it confuses her. She doesn’t know how to react. However, she quickly finds out the there’re more LAYERS to Daniel Stark than most people get to see. She’s intrigued and even though everything is telling her to say away…she can’t.

“Don’t get me wrong, Daniel, in my heart I feel like I would do anything you want but when reason sets in and I take control of my Danielized brain, I know this isn’t right.”

- “You’ve been Danielized?” he asks, highly amused.

I went into this book knowing that there is a cliffhanger…so I was prepared. Thank goodness or I think I would have been throwing my kindle across the room. This book definitely does not end in a HEA but just as Hayley’s friends, I have faith that Daniel and Hayley can find their way back to each other in the next book. But you never know what will happen. He believes she committed the ultimate betrayal…causing him to do the same to her.

“When I think of Mr. Stark, the first thing that pops to mind is a termite.”

“Termites?”

“You’re like termites because they mate for life”…”You two will end up together. Even a nonromantic, coming of age, cynical gay guy can see that. It’ll take more than a quarrel for you to really split up”…”Too deep, too emotional, too cosmic, too manic, to compatible. Just like a pair of gorgeous termites.”

The storyline was captivating and exciting. It was both witty and intense. I could not have asked for more in a debut. The only part that kind of got old was some of the blurbs in Hayley’s thinking. Most were unnecessary and made her sound kind of immature. Other than that the writing was great. I am a huge fan of dual POVs but this book is only in Hayley's until the very last chapter. I am so glad it was written that way. I think it would have taken away from the story if we would have had Daniel's POV. However, I am glad the last chapter was by him. It completely sets you up perfectly for the next book.

This is a story of a beautiful bond turned to a relationship of distrust, misunderstandings, lack of faith and betrayal.

Congratulations to Sigal Ehrlich for such a great debut. INNER CORE (the second & last book) will be released January 2014 and I can’t wait!

Don’t hesitate, read LAYERS now and be sure to add INNER CORE to your TBR list!

★★☆ 4 Stars☆★★

Reviewed by Alissa Evanson

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About the Author

By teen age, Sigal already lived in three different continents where she was lucky enough to experience and visit varied places, meet unique people, which only helped fuel her overly developed imagination. Currently, Sigal calls Estonia home where she lives with her husband and three kids.

Not exactly sure where they will end up next…

When she is not hiding in her office, writing, she enjoys music, reading and taking care of her little clan.

With a great believe in "don’t wait for things to happen - make them happen," she enjoys anything exciting life has to offer.

2013 has been an eventful year in the book world. We seen a massive jump in New Adult romance. It hit the market and we all went crazy for it.
We lived through the craze of MC reads. Bossy Alpha males who live the MC life. We fucking love it.
Our hearts have been broken with some heavy emotional reads, abuse, mental disorders, eating disorders you name it.
And we have started living on the dark side, with dark and twisted tales of captivity, questionable situations all the while begging for more.

So what makes a Top Read list? For me it's books that made me completely feel. My top 13 of 2013, are books that at some point made me stop and take a breathe. The stories were so well written and delivered in a way that effected me on some deeper level. Some delivered that with such emotion that you literally felt drained after reading. Others made me smile and swoon. And quite a few made me hot and bothered. But most off they are the books that I would read over and over over again.

So here are my top 13 of 2013

#13

Raid by Kristen Ashley

What type of fan girl would I be if K.A didn't make the list? While she is epic on every level, if I add all her books this year, this list would be dominated by the queen herself. So she makes the list coming in at # 13

~ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ KRISTEN ASHLEY YOU MY FRIEND ARE A FOOL….
I swear to all things holy hot ALPHA… I say this after every K.A Book but Omg Raid Is now my fave K.A Hero!! I know I know but seriously.. ~
Read my full review HERE

Synopsis

Hanna Boudreaux has lived in the small town of Willow, Colorado all her life. The great-granddaughter of the town matriarch, she's sweet, cute and quiet.

Too quiet.

Hanna has a moment of epiphany when she realizes her crush for forever, Raiden Ulysses Miller, is not ever going to be hers. She sees her life as narrow and decides to do something about it.

Raiden Miller is the town of Willow's local hero. An ex-marine with the medal to prove his hero status, he comes home, shrouded in mystery. It takes a while but, eventually, Hanna catches his eye.

But after all these years of Raid and Hanna living in the same town, the question is, why? Is Raid interested in Hanna because she's sweet and cute? Or does Raid have something else going on?

Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know her real name or when she was born. Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn't attend school until she was ten years old. At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on with life, she is just a senior in high school. With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and overtly sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing.

This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love. But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are. Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible.

Despite having been besotted with Dante Garcea since she was a child, wolf shifter Jaime Farrow figures that it’s time to move past the crush. If he wanted her, he wouldn’t have ignored her flirtatious behavior, right? Hiding her intense attraction to him isn’t easy – especially now that they're part of the same pack again – but with bigger issues to worry about and with the submissive wolf act to maintain, Jaime is resolute on moving forward. Now if only the workaholic control-freak would let her…

As the pack Beta, Dante doesn't have the space or time in his life for a relationship. As such, he ignores his intense hunger for the willful – and sometimes crazy – Jaime. Yet when her flirtations abruptly end, Dante finds that he doesn’t like losing her attention. He finds something else too – Jaime's hiding something. Determined to uncover her secret, he sets out to break through her defences, even though being around her intensifies his cravings for her. What he finds is a problem that Jaime is convinced not even a powerful Beta can solve.

At # 10 we have Left Drowning. I read Left Drowning coming home from an overseas holiday. I remember sitting on the plane so uncomfortable because I could not express how epic this read was. I was smiling and crying at my Kindle like a weirdo and I just wanted to pace. But I couldn't. I was flying solo and I couldn't even MSG my book buddy to go crazy at her. I freaking loved this book HARD!

~ I have read some amazing books
Books that capture your attention, entertain you and even break you.
Some books are even more amazing, that they take you to places that you have never been before, somewhere that you never would of expected. Evoking emotions that take a hold of you.

And then there are the books like Left Drowning.
Where every word slowly pierces your heart.
You feel every hit, every intense emotion, you find yourself holding your breathe. ~
Read my full review HERE

Synopsis

What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.

Coming in at #9 was a book I DID NOT want to read, On the Island.
I snobbed this book hard. I kept thinking eww eww eww no no no. BOY WAS I WRONG. This book is Brilliant and I just hate myself that I didn't give it the chance from the start.

~This was amazing! Not at all what I was expecting.
I'm in love… absolutely love love loved it
Just thinking about this I get goosebumps! It was real and believable.
I want to go back and experience it all over again for the 1st time. I love it when a book does that to me. ~

When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job tutoring T.J. Callahan at his family's summer rental in the Maldives, she accepts without hesitation; a working vacation on a tropical island trumps the library any day.

T.J. Callahan has no desire to leave town, not that anyone asked him. He's almost seventeen and if having cancer wasn't bad enough, now he has to spend his first summer in remission with his family - and a stack of overdue assignments - instead of his friends.

Anna and T.J. are en route to join T.J.'s family in the Maldives when the pilot of their seaplane suffers a fatal heart attack and crash-lands in the Indian Ocean. Adrift in shark-infested waters, their life jackets keep them afloat until they make it to the shore of an uninhabited island. Now Anna and T.J. just want to survive and they must work together to obtain water, food, fire, and shelter.

Their basic needs might be met but as the days turn to weeks, and then months, the castaways encounter plenty of other obstacles, including violent tropical storms, the many dangers lurking in the sea, and the possibility that T.J.'s cancer could return. As T.J. celebrates yet another birthday on the island, Anna begins to wonder if the biggest challenge of all might be living with a boy who is gradually becoming a man.

At # 8 Leo was a random pick. I saw someone add it to their TBR list on GR one day, so I just one clicked it.
I'm so glad I did because Mia Sheridan has rocked my world. Leo and Leo's Chance are brilliant and left me with an epic book hangover

~ Mia Sheridan is an amazing storyteller. Her writing has depth and sensitivity to it that goes beyond the words. It grabbed my attention and held it all the way through to the last word.

Her story made me feel that I know her personally. Not just Evie and Jake but Mia herself. ~

Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love, and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job. She has friends. She's content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?

At # 7 a book I was so scared to pick up. I had heard great things about TOT, but something held me back. I'm kicking myself that I waited so long to start. Pepper took me totally out of my comfort zone and just didn't let go. She opened the door for me to the dark side and that alone deserves a spot in my top 13.

~ Pepper Winters tells a warped and perverse tale.

Dark, Twisted and at times for me highly disturbing. Yet I still couldn't stop. Tears of Tess was a story that kept me enthralled the entire time I was reading it. While at the same time, hating that I loved it so much!

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.

Then it all changed.

I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

At #6 we have seriously one of THE BEST MC reads I have ever read.
Now technically Seven Sons doesn't go live for another couple of days. However, I obviously have read it this year, loved it, totally predicting great things for it, so it's in.

~ Lili St Germain, has crafted a devilish read that will have you on the edge of your seat, begging for more. Her characters are dark and twisted and you can't help be sucked in to the fucked up world they live in. I couldn't get enough, she sucker punched me right where it hurts and left me panting for more.~
Read my full review HERE

Synopsis

My father was most certainly NOT an innocent man. As the leader of the Gypsy Brothers MC, he was guilty of many things. But he died for a crime that he didn’t commit, framed by an enemy within who then stole his club and everything he had ever worked to protect.

Including my innocence.

When Dornan Ross framed my father, he set into motion a series of events that could never be undone. My father was murdered by Dornan Ross and his sons when I was fifteen years old.

Before my father died, Dornan Ross and his seven sons stole my innocence, branded my skin and in doing so, ensured that their lives would be prematurely cut short. That they would suffer.

I’ve just turned twenty-one, and I’m out for blood. I'm out for revenge.

But I didn't expect to fall for Jase, the youngest brother in the club.

I didn't expect that he would turn my world upside down, yank my heart out of my chest and ride away into the sunset with it.

At #5 we have a book that left me in the WORSE book hangover EVER! No joke. I could NOT stop thinking about Kayla and Jake. They consumed me for over a week!

~ More Than This was everything I could have hoped for and more. Superb writing, thought provoking, depth in story & character development, heart and soul. You can't help but fall in love with Kayla's story. Her journey to find happiness, peace, love and ultimately herself was one that will stay with me for a long time. ~

At #4 is a book that will stay with me FOREVER. I can't even begin to explain the emotions this woman pulled from me. UGLY ugly crying. I'm emotionally changed by this read.

~ Have you ever had that moment when reading a book, and you just know that it's going to be epic….

Sometimes it pulls you in so fast, so deep, you don't have a second to comprehend it. Breeze of Life did just that, it bought me to my knees in the first 2 pages. I lost count how many times I had to stop to gather myself, to exhale the breath that I found caught in the back of my throat. ~

Bree ‘Breeze’ Delany never imagined her life could sink so deep. That such intense pain could take up residence in her heart and shred her soul to pieces. And all it had taken was one little word to drag Bree to the depths of this despair, cancer.

It took just one person to pull Bree from the darkness, her best friend Harper Somerville. Determined to show his Breeze the beauty in life no matter how short or long it is, Harper takes Bree on the road trip of a life time.

Screw happily ever afters, perhaps life was meant to be lived with happily ever nows...

I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my facade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

#2Fighting Redemption by Kate McCarthy At # 2 the amazing Kate McCarthy totally knocked this book out of the park.

Kate's Writing alone deserves a spot, but her delivery... is just WOW.

~ This book captured my heart. I wasn't sure what to expect from it but it completely blew me away. It was quite a roller-coaster of emotions. The writing was exceptional and the characters are so well written. Kate's ability to draw you in, knock you on your ass and break you down piece by piece is exactly what I crave for when I pick up a book. She left me hanging on to every scene, every page, every line. I devoured Ryan and Fin's story.
Read my full review HERE

Synopsis

Ryan Kendall is broken. He understands pain. He knows the hand of violence and the ache of loss. He knows what it means to fail those who need you. Being broken doesn’t stop him wanting the one thing he can’t have; Finlay Tanner. Her smile is sweet and her future bright. She’s the girl he grew up with, the girl he loves, the girl he protects from the world, and from himself.

At nineteen, Ryan leaves to join the Australian Army. After years of training he becomes an elite SAS soldier and deploys to the Afghanistan war. His patrol undertakes the most dangerous missions a soldier can face. But no matter how far he runs, or how hard he fights, his need for Finlay won’t let go.

Returning home after six years, one look is all it takes to know he can’t live without her. But sometimes love isn’t enough to heal what hurts. Sometimes people like him can’t be fixed, and sometimes people like Finlay deserve more than what’s left.

This is a story about war and the cost of sacrifice. Where bonds are formed, and friendships found. Where those who are strong, fall hard. Where love is let go, heartache is born, and heroes are made. Where one man learns that the hardest fight of all, is the fight to save himself.

No joke this woman, knows how to get to you. Forget 50 Shades, Forget Bared to you. This my friends is how you write a Trilogy. Both Driven and Fueled had everything I could ever want in a read. The sexual tension, the sexy alpha, snarky heroine, HOT sex. The intense ride that leaves you totally hooked. It packs a punch and is my number 1 read of 2013.

~ K. Bromberg has created characters so real, I could feel them as well as see them.

The writing is evocative, the storyline compelling. Her narrative is raw and and filled with substance that at times felt like she was writing to me. I loved every single thing about this book.

What happens when the one person you never expected suddenly happens to be the one you’ll fight the hardest to keep?

Colton stole my heart. He wasn't supposed to, and I sure as hell didn't want him to, but he crashed into my life, ignited feelings within me that I thought had died forever, and fueled a passion that I never knew could exist.

Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet and into my life. Now I don't think I'll ever be the same. She's seen glimpses of the darkness within me, and yet she's still here. Still fighting for me. She is without a doubt the saint, and I am most definitely the sinner.

How is it the one thing neither of us wanted—neither of us anticipated that fateful night—has us fighting so hard to keep?

He steals my breath, stops my heart, and brings me back to life again all in a split second of time. But how can I love a man who won't let me in? Who continually pushes me away to prevent me from seeing the damaged secrets in his past? My heart has fallen, but patience and forgiveness can only go so far.

How can I desire a woman who unnerves me, defies me, and forces me to see that in the deep, black abyss of my soul there's someone worthy of her love? A place and person I swore I'd never be again. Her selfless heart and sexy body deserve so much more than I'll ever be capable of giving her. I know I can't be what she needs, so why can't I just let her go?

We are driven by need and fueled with desire, but is that enough for us to crash into love?